EXPERIMENTATION AS A PEDAGOGICAL TOOL: CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE TEACHING OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS

Abstract

Experimentation plays a crucial role in the teaching of sciences and mathematics, contributing to knowledge construction and the development of essential competencies. This study aimed to analyze the importance and impacts of experimentation in the teaching of these subjects through a review of scientific literature, highlighting how experimental practices promote active knowledge construction and the development of students’ competencies. To achieve this, an integrative literature review approach was adopted, allowing for the synthesis of evidence on the topic. The central question addressed was: How did experimental activities contribute to the active construction of knowledge and the development of students' competencies in the fields of sciences and mathematics? The search for relevant articles was guided by five keywords: "experimentation in teaching," "teaching of sciences and mathematics," "active learning," "active methodologies," and "teacher training." Inclusion criteria encompassed publications from 2019 to 2024 that discussed the relationship between experimentation and the subjects in question, as well as being available in full in journals. The results revealed that experimental activities promote a deeper understanding of concepts, develop investigative skills, and increase student motivation. Additionally, it was observed that experimentation allows for the identification of learning weaknesses and facilitates the contextualization of theoretical knowledge. The active approach also proved effective in promoting teamwork and communication among students. It is concluded that integrating experimental activities into the teaching of sciences and mathematics is fundamental to transforming these subjects into more dynamic and relevant experiences. The research highlights the need for adequate teacher training to effectively implement such practices, emphasizing that experimentation should be an integral part of the school curriculum, capable of engaging students and promoting meaningful learning.